Former Villa chief and Black Country business leader becomes Aston University's 500th honorary graduate

A West Midland business leader and former football chief has become Aston University’s 500th honorary graduate as the institution marks its 60th anniversary.

Former Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner, who also served as head of operations at the Oldbury-based Richardson group, was honoured for his contribution to business, sport and civic life in the region.

Mr Faulkner had played a leading role in Villa’s takeover by Randy Lerner in 2006, before becoming appointed chief executive. During his tenure, he was elected to the Football Association Council and after appointed to the FA Board, helping to shape the future direction of English football.

Following a period as CEO of Nottingham Forest Football Club, Paul was appointed chief executive officer of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, a position he held from 2015 to 2021. In that role, he was a leading voice for the regional business community, championing growth, investment and collaboration across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.

The university said Paul continued to support businesses and organisations across the region through his work with the Richardson family, as co-founder of advisory business Element45, and as vice-chairman for Barclays Bank across the Midlands.

Alongside his business achievements, Mr Faulkner is also a trustee of Kids' Village and has previously been a trustee of Cure Leukaemia, Birmingham Children's Hospital and B:Music. He also spent eight years as chairman of Sport Birmingham, helping to promote sport and physical activity across the city.

In recognition of his contribution to Birmingham and the wider region, he was named Brummie of the Year 2024.

Mr Faulkner said it was a tremendous privilege to receive an honorary degree, particularly during such a significant year in the university's history.

“Aston has made a remarkable contribution to Birmingham, the Midlands and beyond over the past 60 years, and I am deeply honoured to become its 500th honorary graduate. I am proud to accept this recognition and to join the University's distinguished community of honorary graduates."

Professor Mike Caine, interim Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said: "Paul has made an exceptional contribution to business, sport and civic society across the Midlands.

“Throughout his career he has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a commitment to regional growth and a passion for supporting communities and charitable causes. As Aston University celebrates its 60th anniversary, it is particularly fitting that Paul becomes our 500th honorary graduate. His achievements and service to the region embody the values we seek to inspire in our students and graduates."

Aston University is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, marking six decades since receiving its royal charter.

It began life as Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895, evolving into the UK's first college of advanced technology in 1956.

The anniversary year will continue with a series of activities under the Aston Made campaign, sharing ‘60 stories for 60 years’ and inviting contributions from across the Aston area to build a lasting archive of its impact.